The Edmonton Oilers have hired former Seattle Kraken assistant coach Paul McFarland as an assistant coach.
McFarland, 39, joined the Kraken coaching staff in 2021, spending three seasons with the organization before accepting a head coaching job with the Calgary Hitmen in the WHL.
Dave Hakstol, who served as the Kraken's head coach for the same three seasons McFarland spent with the team, brought McFarland to the organization after the pair worked together with the Toronto Maple Leafs. With the Maple Leafs, Hakstol and McFarland worked as assistant coaches.
Throughout his coaching career, McFarland hasn't had much longevity with a franchise. His three seasons with the Kraken are equal to the three seasons he spent as the head coach of the Kingston Frontenacs in the OHL. McFarland did return to the Frontenacs before joining the Kraken staff, but that came after spending two seasons with the Florida Panthers and one season with the Maple Leafs.
With the Kraken, McFarland took charge of the offence and the power play, and he is expected to do the same with the Oilers. Now, he'll have Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Zach Hyman and Evan Bouchard at his disposal.
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